§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which (i) Commonwealth 566W countries, (ii) European Economic Community countries and (iii) other countries have made representations that the United Kingdom (a) should leave and (b) should remain a member of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
§ Mr. RaisonExchanges between Governments are confidential, but the Government have kept closely in touch about the reform of UNESCO with a large number of Goverments, including those in the Commonwealth and the European Community, during 1984. None wished the United Kingdom to leave UNESCO, but all said they shared our desire for reform and recognised the United Kingdom's right to decide what was best for its own interests. We shall reconsider our position towards the end of next year in the light of progress made towards reform.